Chris Budnick
Executive Director

2018 marked a record-breaking year with both the highest-ever number of individuals served and average daily census, which has increased the demands on already overcrowded campuses. We attribute these increases to the growing population of Wake County and the current opioid crisis. These two factors have created a moral dilemma for the organization as we seek to respond to the tension between the stress of overcrowding and the risks of turning people away. Shouldering the burden of this dilemma are the staff and participants. They have my admiration and appreciation due to their hard work, innovation, resilience and compassion.

Hard Work: Due to the leadership of our new development team, the active engagement of our Boards of Directors and Trustees, the formation of a development committee and the expertise of consultants (moss+ross and Angel Oak Creative), we had an incredibly successful year nearly doubling our total supporters from 545 donors in 2017 to 1,049 donors in 2018.

Innovation: We launched our Rapid Responder pilot program in partnership with Wake County Public Health and Wake County EMS, and we successfully established a recovery outreach program for any individual who has received services from us, regardless of their length of stay.

Resilience and Compassion: There has been a 197% increase in opioid overdose deaths in Wake County from 2013 (38) to 2017 (113). The loss of life is a daily reality for our staff and participants. In 2018, 15 former participants died from an opioid overdose, leaving each of us overcome with grief. In the midst of it all, our people have continued to rally around one another with love, support and a relentless commitment to help others.

Looking Forward: As we gear up to launch a historic $11.75 million capital campaign for our much-needed expansion, we enter 2019 filled with excitement, energy and eager anticipation. We’re committed to seeking new and improved ways to provide our services, and in so doing, directly impact more lives than ever before. Because recovery can’t wait.

Richard Gaylord
Board Chair

“Leadership, energy and commitment to a mission always trickles down through the organization and determines that organization’s destiny. For this reason, I personally feel very excited about the future of Healing Transitions. Our Board of Directors is currently composed of individuals who are passionate about our overall mission and focused intently on how to address the overcrowding and demand for services at both campuses. To be a part of such a talented and diverse group of people is both fun and rewarding. We are excited to be in the leadership phase of a capital campaign to expand both campuses and will share more updates in the coming year.

2018 was the most successful year ever for the board and staff of Healing Transitions and we fully expect 2019 to be even better. I feel Healing Transitions is one of Wake County’s most valuable assets. If you haven’t toured one of our campuses I would encourage you to call us for one this week.”

We couldn’t do it without our village of supporters, partners, volunteers and leaders. We rely on each one of you to help move our mission forward. Because of you, we’re building a community where long-term recovery can flourish.